SUN shines on Clay County 3v3 Challenge Sports Tournament

SUN shines on Clay County 3v3 Challenge Sports Tournament

This past weekend, Clay County Soccer Club hosted the 2014 Challenge Sports 3v3 tournament that encourages players from U6 to adults to play soccer in a unique format while having fun.

After the heavy rain last week ... many of us had serious doubts about this tournament.
However ... we caught a break.

Through Friday's cold temperature and strong winds ... Community volunteers, local students, Clay County Soccer Club and the Challenge Sports staff hustled to convert the fields in time for the weekend event. Their efforts and hard-work were realized by Sunday as the sun shined and the temperature climbed to 75 deg. You could feel the excitement as you strolled through the fields ... numerous youth games were in full-swing, parents cheered, younger siblings could be seen kicking a ball around and former high school friends re-united for bragging rights.

This weekend's tournament would not be complete unless we share a heart-felt story and true
display of Sportsmanship ...

A participating U12 team was called Drew's Yellow Cards in dedication to one of their coaches that recently was killed in a car accident. Another team in the same age division, the OP Demons coached by Rick Prestridge learned of the team's loss and dedication. Coincidentally, both teams met in the Championship whereby the OP Demons won a spirited and well-played game by both teams.

After the game was over, Coach Rick Prestridge and his OP Demon players took their 1st place medals, signed the ribbon along with their team name and gave one to each of the Yellow Card players. Coach Prestridge spoke a few minutes about how Drew's Yellow Cards played strong with great sportsmanship and character.

Afterwards, both teams went to the Challenge Sports flags and took a joint team picture.
There was not a dry-eye to be found from both teams and their families as they all dedicated the day to Coach Drew of the Yellow Cards.